Unveiling Astarion’s Fate: Exploring the Endings of Ascension in Baldur’s Gate 3
The enigmatic vampire spawn, Astarion, is one of the most complex and compelling companions in Baldur’s Gate 3. His personal quest, centered around escaping his master Cazador, leads to a pivotal decision regarding his ascension into a powerful vampire lord. This choice dramatically impacts his story, leading to two distinct and dramatically different endings if he remains alive and in your party by the end of his quest: one where he ascends, and one where he does not.
The Two Paths: Ascended vs. Spawn
The crucial branching point for Astarion’s storyline revolves around the ritual within Cazador’s Palace. If you allow him to complete the ritual, sacrificing thousands of spawn, he undergoes a transformative process, emerging as the Vampire Ascendant. Conversely, preventing the ritual leaves him as a Vampire Spawn, forever bound by the constraints of his un-ascended state. Both paths present starkly contrasting outcomes, affecting his character, his relationship with your character (Tav), and the overall narrative.
The Ascended Astarion Ending
The Ascended Astarion ending is marked by a dramatic shift in his personality. He becomes significantly more arrogant, power-hungry, and ruthless. He views others as tools or possessions, including Tav, and exhibits a desire to subjugate the world. Though initially grateful, his ambition quickly eclipses any genuine connection, replacing it with calculated manipulation. Here’s a breakdown:
- Power and Arrogance: The ascension greatly amplifies his vampiric abilities, granting him significant power. However, this newfound strength fuels his ego and ambition, making him increasingly tyrannical.
- Loss of Empathy: Ascended Astarion’s empathy diminishes, causing him to view those around him with contempt. He manipulates relationships and cares only about his own gain.
- Offer of Spawn Status: After ascending, he offers to turn Tav into his personal vampire spawn by having them drink his blood. While this grants vampiric powers, it also makes your character subservient to him.
- A Dark Future: The long term consequences point towards an oppressive rule by Astarion.
The Non-Ascended Astarion Ending
If you prevent Astarion’s ascension, he remains a Vampire Spawn. While he doesn’t gain immense power, he achieves something arguably more valuable: freedom from Cazador’s control and a chance at personal growth. Here’s what to expect:
- Emotional Healing: He experiences genuine emotional catharsis upon vanquishing Cazador. He grapples with his past trauma and starts to build meaningful connections.
- Growth and Resolve: He develops a newfound resolve to live life on his own terms.
- Sunlight Limitation: He remains vulnerable to sunlight, an ever-present reminder of his condition and the sacrifices he made to defeat Cazador.
- A Satisfying Outcome: Despite being a vampire spawn, this ending is often considered the “good” ending, as it allows him to escape his torment and forge a path with true companions.
- Romance Success: For players who romance Astarion, this ending provides the most emotionally rewarding outcome, as he chooses genuine connection over power.
The Best Ending for Astarion Romance
Ultimately, the “best” ending for Astarion, particularly for those pursuing a romance, is when he remains a Vampire Spawn. While he must still avoid sunlight, this choice allows him to live with genuine freedom, knowing that Cazador’s control is shattered, and he is surrounded by people who care about him. In a romantic relationship, this results in Astarion reciprocating the affection and growing into a person who is more than a pawn in a power game. The ascension route, in contrast, presents a darker, more self-serving path where his care for you is ultimately a manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Ascended Astarion evil?
Yes, Ascended Astarion is considered evil. His desire for power becomes all-consuming, leading him to exploit and subjugate others. His motivations become selfish and tyrannical, showing a lack of empathy or genuine care.
2. Should I let Astarion Ascend?
It depends on your desired narrative outcome. If you’re seeking a power trip with a ruthless character, ascending him might appeal to you. However, if you want an emotionally rewarding ending that allows Astarion to grow and form genuine relationships, then the non-ascended ending is better.
3. What happens if you let Astarion turn you into a vampire?
If you allow Astarion to turn you into a vampire, you become a Vampire Spawn, bound to him. You will gain some vampiric abilities but remain significantly weaker than Astarion. Ultimately, you become his possession.
4. Can Astarion become a true vampire without Ascending?
No. The game lore states that the only way for a Vampire Spawn to become a true vampire is to drink the blood of their master, but that does not occur during the confrontation with Cazador. Astarion’s only path to true vampire status is through the ascension ritual.
5. What are the narrative consequences of Astarion’s Ascension?
The narrative consequences of Astarion’s ascension include his increased arrogance, manipulation, and a desire to control others. He becomes a villainous character who aims to dominate the world rather than seeking personal growth.
6. How old is Astarion?
Astarion is estimated to be around 240-250 years old given elven aging. He lived as a magistrate before becoming a vampire spawn.
7. Is there a good ending with ascended Astarion?
No. There is no good ending with ascended Astarion. The ascension path is considered the “bad” ending as he becomes a power-hungry megalomaniac.
8. What is the best ending for Astarion’s story?
The best ending for Astarion’s story is when he remains a Vampire Spawn. This allows him to overcome his trauma, break free from Cazador’s control, and develop genuine connections. It also enables a more heartfelt romance.
9. Can you romance Astarion if you don’t sleep with him in Act 1?
Yes, you do not need to sleep with Astarion in Act 1 to romance him. High approval will lead to him proposing a relationship later on.
10. How do you romance Astarion?
To romance Astarion, show support for his whims, align yourself with “monstrous” characters, display ruthlessness, demonstrate power, and appreciate fine things. His approval of your actions is crucial.
11. Should you ask Astarion about his scars?
Yes, you should always ask Astarion about his scars to trigger the scar-reading scene, which is a significant part of his story and romance.
12. Can you kiss Astarion?
Yes, you can kiss Astarion after establishing a romantic relationship. There will be various opportunities for this dialogue after leaving camp.
13. How can you kill Astarion permanently?
If you insert a stake through his heart at any point during your discussions with him, Astarion will be permanently killed and cannot be resurrected.
14. What happens to Astarion at the end if he remains in the party?
Ultimately, if he remains in the party, Astarion’s storyline can lead to one of two endings: becoming the Vampire Ascendant or remaining a Vampire Spawn.
15. What are the downsides of allowing Astarion to drink your blood?
Allowing Astarion to drink your blood at any point can give your character a -1 debuff to attack rolls and ability checks for the next day. Whereas, Astarion will get a +1 buff. The long term consequences of being turned into his vampire spawn are much worse.
In conclusion, Astarion’s path offers a complex and compelling choice. The decision to allow or prevent his ascension is not merely a mechanical one but a choice that dramatically shapes his character and the overall narrative of your Baldur’s Gate 3 experience. Understanding the profound differences between these endings is crucial to ensuring a satisfying conclusion to his story, especially for those who wish to form a meaningful relationship with him.